I applied regionally, south to midwest. 99 step 1, 99 step 2. Slightly above average Comlex scores, 2nd quartile class rank. Applied to 28 anesthesia programs (all of which had a history of taking DOs), 5 preliminary programs. Received 9 anesthesia interviews (attended 8), and 2 prelim interviews (attended 1). I only took Step 2 because the PD at my number one told me it was "critical" that I took it. It was my first interview so I took it ASAP and that score become available mid november. Interview invites started off fairly strong, with my first invite coming from UAB and the second from my number 1. Things then slowed down and I didn't get interview invites from programs I expected to, like both Kansas programs, some Texas programs, and the Arkansas program. No interview invites after my Step 2 became available but several rejections. In trying to analyze why I didn't get more invitations I can think of a couple of possible things. My LORs where all very good, 1 IM Chair, 1 PP anesthesiologist, and 1 PP FM. All of these were from DOs who had trained at AOA residencies affiliated with my school and only one was from an academic attending. Perhaps that plus no USMLE Step 2 available in September played some factor. Interestingly enough, I matched at my number one choice (who said USMLE Step 2 was required) along with one of my classmates. He didn't have either USMLE Step 1 or 2, so who knows with that. I did 3 away rotations, 1 at UTSW and 2 at my #1. 1 mos I did just general stuff, and the second mostly OB and Pedes. My advice is leave nothing on the table. Go on at least 8 interviews, if it looks like you aren't going to get that many, CALL programs and ask them to "Check on the status of my application." Take both Step 1 and Step 2, and have your Step 2 available in September. Go on away rotations. They get your face known, and give you a much better idea of what type of programs you really like.